Laser Therapy in Vienna, Virginia (VA) Northern Virginia

Whole Body Health Chiropractic Offers Non-Invasive Laser Therapy.

man receiving laser therapy for knee pain

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive healing booster that has been FDA cleared to help with any musculoskeletal pain, whether acute or chronic, as well as several other health benefits.

Laser therapy is not painful and most people do not feel anything other than a slight tingling sensation during treatment. A session will last approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the injured area.

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy involves using light to accelerate your body’s natural healing processes. A chiropractor uses laser light, and moves it over your skin so that light energy can penetrate the tissue and interact with different molecules in your cells to promote healing.

How Laser Therapy Works

Light waves produced by LLLT stimulate the cells and help with the following:

  • Enhanced Mitochondrial Function:
    Cold laser therapy fundamentally works by increasing  mitochondrial function in the cells. This leads to improved ATP (energy) production and reduced oxidative stress.
  • Decrease Pain:
    LLLT can reduce pain by blocking specific nerve signaling leading to a decrease in muscle spasms and pain perception.
  • Lower Inflammation:
    Laser treatment can decrease local swelling and inflammation, potentially by reducing the number of inflammatory cells and decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory chemicals.
  • Faster Tissue Repair:
    It can stimulate proliferation of cells like fibroblasts involved in tissue repair, leading to faster healing of wounds and injuries.
  • Improved Nerve Function:
    LLLT can potentially speed up nerve healing and increase the strength of nerve signals.
  • Increased Blood Flow:
    Laser therapy can increase blood flow to the treated area, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach tissues needing repair.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects:
    LLLT can reduce inflammation and edema, potentially by modulating the activity of inflammatory cells and inflammatory chemical messengers.
  • Improved Tissue Healing:
    Cold laser therapy can accelerate wound healing, reducing scar tissue formation and promoting overall tissue regeneration.

Frequency of Laser Treatments

Since every patient is different; some will see results in just a few sessions, while others need up to 12 sessions or more to experience lasting effects. If you experience mild injuries or symptoms, you will likely need fewer sessions than if you have chronic or severe injuries.

When including laser therapy with our chiropractic care, we will prescribe rehabilitative exercises to promote structural alignment specific to your needs. Our holistic care options help you achieve drug-free, non-invasive healing quickly to reduce pain and correct the underlying health problems.

Contact us for more information on how our laser therapy program can fast-track your healing process. We proudly serve Vienna, Tysons, Fairfax & the Greater DC Metro. Schedule an appointment today to start your healing process with low level laser therapy!

Non-Invasive Laser Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does laser therapy do?

Laser therapy drives deep healing energy into the cells using specific wavelengths of light to help the cells produce more energy and accelerate the body’s natural healing process. It helps reduce pain, inflammation, and promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues in the body.

How long does laser therapy last?

The effects of laser therapy can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients may experience immediate relief, but most people typically require 10-12 sessions over 4-6 weeks to achieve deeper healing and lasting results. Typically, sessions last about 5-10 minutes depending on the size and severity of the injured area.

Does laser therapy reduce inflammation?

Yes, laser therapy effectively reduces inflammation by increasing cellular energy allowing for accelerated healing and the resolution of injuries. Several studies have shown the benefits of low level laser therapy to reduce inflammation including when used in the brain in patients with Alzheimer’s, depression, and concussion (American Journal of Psychiatry, 2015). In his book, The Brain’s Way of Healing, Dr. Norman Doidge states that laser therapy triggers the release of Interleukin-10, a chemical messenger that plays a key role in regulating the immune system and limiting inflammation. Of particular note for brain health, Interleukin-10 helps limit damage to neurons (nerve cells) during inflammation or infection.

Who should not do laser treatment?

Laser therapy is generally safe, but it is generally not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have cancer, epilepsy, or have a pacemaker. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting laser therapy.

What conditions can laser therapy treat?

Whole Body Health Chiropractic uses Erchonia lasers, the FX405 and the EVRL. They are Class II Low Level Lasers that have been FDA-cleared in multiple double blind, placebo-controlled trials for 18 different conditions including neck pain, back pain, plantar fasciitis, acne, shoulder pain, and more. It is also effective for promoting tissue healing after surgery or injury.

Is laser therapy painful?

No, laser therapy is not painful and most people do not feel the laser when applied. Many patients experience a relaxing sensation after treatment. It is a non-invasive and comfortable treatment option.

How safe is laser therapy?

Whole Body Health Chiropractic uses Erchonia lasers and there have been no reported adverse events in the more than 20 year history of Erchonia. Laser therapy is considered very safe when performed by trained professionals. It uses non-ionizing light, which does not damage tissues or cells. Protective eyewear is required.

What are the side effects of laser therapy?

No side effects or adverse events have ever been reported for the Erchonia Class II Low Level Lasers which are the lasers used at Whole Body Health Chiropractic.

How soon can I expect results from laser therapy?

The effects of laser therapy can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients may experience immediate relief, but most people typically require 10-12 sessions over 4-6 weeks to achieve deeper healing and lasting results. The overall treatment plan will depend on the severity and chronicity of the condition being treated.

Is laser therapy suitable for chronic pain management?

Yes, laser therapy is suitable as a drug-free approach for managing chronic pain. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given clearance to our Erchonia FX405 for “whole body” musculoskeletal pain opening up significant potential for the application and benefit of Erchonia lasers. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of more than 200 patients with musculoskeletal pain showed that those who received the laser therapy without any adjunctive treatment had a 49% reduction in pain post-treatment. This is greater than the results from a large study on the effectiveness of opioids published in JAMA in 2018. This trial showed a pain-reduction rate of 20% for opioids and 26% for non-opioids, which were mainly NSAIDs. Considering that there are no known negative side effects and that it is non-addictive, our Erchonia FX405 laser should be recommended for patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505005/
  2. https://www.cleveland.edu/news-post/~post/use-of-chiropractic-spinal-manipulation-and-class-4-laser-for-treatment-of-spine-related-pain-20200624/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736953/
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325762

At Whole Body Health, we offer corrective chiropractic care for pain relief, degenerative muscle and joint conditions, and whole body wellness.  Additionally, we offer extensive care plans for those looking to continue to remain healthy once their problem is corrected. Book an appointment with us today!

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